What should you know about hand nail fungus?

Changes may begin at the edge or tip and gradually affect more of the nail. Debris can collect underneath, and the nail may become difficult to trim. A fungal nail infection may occur alongside [Athlete's Foot](/conditions/athletes-foot/), because fungi can spread between feet, hands, socks, towels and shared surfaces. However, a changed nail is not automatically fungal; [Discoloured Nails](/symptoms/nail-discoloration/) have several possible causes.

A clinician may examine the nail and take clippings or scrapings before choosing treatment. This helps distinguish [Nail Fungus](/conditions/nail-fungus/) from injury or inflammatory nail disease and avoids using an unsuitable medicine.

Treatment may involve [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/) applied for a prolonged course, or [Oral Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-antifungal-therapy/) when the infection is extensive or topical care is unlikely to reach it. A clinician may discuss [Laser Treatment For Nail Fungus](/treatments/laser-and-energy/laser-nail-fungus-treatment/) or, in selected cases, [Nail Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/nail-surgery/). These options have different limitations and are not interchangeable.

Keep nails short and dry, do not share clippers, clean tools after use, and treat associated fungal skin infection if advised. Improvement is judged as healthy nail grows out, so the visible change may lag behind control of the fungus.

Arrange medical review for a painful, swollen or draining nail, redness spreading into surrounding skin, fever, or a dark streak that is new or changing. Seek earlier assessment if diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system makes foot or hand infections harder to manage.

Ask whether testing is needed, which nail is affected, how long treatment may take, whether your medicines or liver health affect oral options, and how to prevent reinfection.